Corn byproducts: alternative ingredients for equines

Abstract

The aim of this experiment is to evaluate the inclusion of the corn gluten feed 21 (Refinazil®) and defatted corn germ in equine diets, using digestibility assays, glycemic and insulin curves, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids [NEFAs]), blood and faecal concentration of short chair fatty acids (SCFAs), and physico-chemical characteristics of faeces (pH, buffer capacity, color, consistency and daily production). The experiment will be arranged in a simultaneous latin square (LS) 4x4. The diets will have 50% roughage (Coast cross hay) and 50% concentrate with increasing levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of each of the corn by-products. The digestibility coefficient of dry matter, organic matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract, cellulose, lignin, starch and gross energy will be determined. The faeces pH and buffer capacity will be measured during the three days of faecal collection, and also the evaluation of faeces consistency and color. To determine the lipid profile and blood concentrations of glucose, insulin and SCFAs, the blood will be sampled before and 1, 3, 6 and 9 hours after feeding the concentrate. To, this way, the better level of each corn by-product will be determined, as well as, the metabolic answers to each ingredient. (AU)